Chapter 415
Chapter 415:
Brayden watched her go, his forehead etched with worry.
He sensed her displeasure yet couldn’t identify its source. Was it truly tied to Lia? He had been transparent in his explanations.
Alone in her bedroom, Gracie sat at her vanity and exhaled deeply. She couldn’t precisely define what she’d felt earlier; she had simply needed distance. Lately, Brayden seemed more vulnerable around her, prioritizing her in his decisions as if she were the center of his world. “It’s a positive development, yet why does joy elude me?” she wondered, resting her head in her palms.
Her union with Brayden had begun not with romance, but with a desperate bid to alter the devastating trajectory of her previous life. Still, why did their dynamic feel increasingly unpredictable, slipping beyond her grasp?
After a soothing hot soak, she settled into bed.
A vibration from her phone drew her attention.
It was a text from Jessie: “Great update! We held a family discussion, and my parents have vowed to stop pressuring me about marriage. They’ll respect my choice from here on p>
The news was undeniably uplifting.
Gracie chose not to respond immediately. She set the phone aside, propped her head on one arm, and stared pensively at the starry night beyond the window. The view was breathtaking, dotted with countless twinkling lights.
In the adjacent study, another imposing silhouette lingered by the window.
Charlie stood behind Brayden. “The arrangements for Lia are finalized. She’ll be moved to a medical facility this evening for care. Are you certain your wife has no reservations p>
gⱯlnσν𝓮ℓs․cóm is your escape
“She isn’t deceptive with me, nor prone to envy,” Brayden replied, turning to face him. “If she claims indifference, it’s genuine p>
“But I don’t understand,” Charlie admitted, bewildered. “Given Lia’s extensive wrongdoing, wouldn’t letting her perish in prison be most fitting? Why intervene to prolong her life p>
“Precisely because of her profound transgressions, an effortless demise is undeserved,” Brayden said. “Her true retribution lies in surviving within those walls, enduring anguish and continual atonement. That’s the justice she merits p>
He hesitated, his expression tightening. “Perhaps my unforgiving approach strikes her as excessive p>
Charlie looked lost. “I’m not sure what you mean p>
Brayden glanced upward. “Does this make me seem merciless? Overly ruthless p>
Charlie stayed silent. He couldn’t grasp Brayden’s concern—far from cruel, it bordered on excessive mercy. In his view, Lia’s fate warranted no personal attention.
Convinced he had pinpointed the issue, Brayden murmured, “I need to seize an opportunity for a thorough explanation p>
The following morning, as Gracie stepped out of her bedroom, a familiar presence halted her. She tilted her head up in mild shock. “What is this about p>
“I’ve built a reputation for being distant and unapproachable,” Brayden confessed. “People often describe me as frosty, yet deep down, I’m affectionate and fervent p>
Gracie reached out to touch his forehead. “No signs of fever. You’re perfectly fine. Why are you saying such nonsense p>
Brayden gently grasped her wrist. “I’m serious—no illness here. I only want to prevent any misconceptions. Granting Lia medical release is because she doesn’t deserve a swift end, not because I want to prolong suffering unnecessarily p>
“I understand,” Gracie replied with a soft, reassuring smile. “I’ve never viewed you as cold or heartless p>
“Then what caused your distress yesterday?” Brayden pressed, worry evident in his voice.